# NTSB FTW83LA122: Monnett Sonerai II, N1390A, Las Cruces, NM, February 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 16, 1983, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Las Cruces, NM
- Coordinates: 35.110462, -106.580902 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1105&lon=-106.5809&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20814
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA122
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20814/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA122

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,tailwheel assembly - failure,total (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE NEW HOME BUILT ACFT HAD ONLY 2.5 HRS TOTAL FLT TIME. AFTER A TEST FLT, THE PLT WAS ON THE LANDING ROLL WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AT APRX 35 MPH. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED & NOSED OVER ON ITS TOP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURRED AFTER A STEERING ARM FAILED ON THE TAILWHEEL ASSEMBLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1390A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1390A-2006-08-15), registration cancelled 2006-08-15, S/N 711, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MONNETT SONERAI II
- Registry model: [Mcdaniel T E MSB 1](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcdaniel-t-e-msb-1) (registry code 05613N8) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 711
- Airframe hours: 25
- Engines: Volkswagen VW reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas E. Mcdaniel
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 26, 1982, 25 hours before
- Airport: LRU, Crawford, runway 12, 7,494 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 574 total, 3 in this make and model, 524 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots, gusting 4
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 30 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830216004129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830216004129A), Feb 16, 1983: Amtrmo SONERAI2, Las Cruces, NM, Substantial damage. Pilot reported tail wheel casting broke causing him to lose directional control of aircraft resulting in noseover.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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